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| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by tetanus bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust and manure. The bacteria usually enter the body through a deep cut, like those you might get from cutting yourself with a knife or stepping on a nail.
The infection causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw, which makes it impossible to open your mouth or swallow. If this happens, you could die of suffocation.
If you get tetanus, there is usually a long course of treatment. The tetanus vaccine can prevent tetanus but its protection does not last forever. Adults should get a tetanus shot, or booster, every 10 years. If you get a bad cut or burn, see your doctor--you may need a booster.
'''Tetanus''' is a serious and often fatal disease caused by the exotoxin tetanospasmin which is produced by the Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium ''Clostridium tetani''. It was first documented by Hippocrates, and records dating back to the 5th century BCE provide countless clinical observations of the disease. However, the etiology of the disease was not discovered until 1884 by Carle and Rattone. Passive tetanus immunization was first implemented during World War I. Bacilli of ''C. tetani'' can be found in soil (especially agricultural soil), and the intestines and feces of horses, sheep, cattle, rats, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and chickens. Spores are found in manure-treated soil, skin surfaces (of both animals and humans), under nail-beds, and in contaminated heroin. There are three different clinical forms of tetanus: local (uncommon), cephalic (rare), and generalized (most common). Generalized tetanus accounts for 80% of tetanus cases.
European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods - ECVAM validates, accepts and recommends deletions for regulatory acceptance of pharmaceuticals, and related products. Includes new submission of tests for phototoxicity, skin corrosivity, inhibition of toxin binding for tetanus vaccines, embryotoxicity assays, using embryonic stem cell, and growth in rat cultures.
Free Puzzle Arena - Several games such as 'HampsterDeath', 'Insane', and 'Tetanus' all in one download for Linux, DOS, or Windows. (Open source, GPL)
Tetanus On Drugs - Simulates a game of Tetris under the influence of hallucinogens for DOS, Linux, or Windows. (Open source, GPL)
Serum Institute of India Ltd. - Manufacturers triple antigen for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, and formulations for measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B. Includes overview of research, quality assurance, other products, and branches throughout the country.
GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines - Manufactures pediatric, adult and clinical vaccines for diseases including hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and tetanus. Includes product list, disease prevention guide and patient information. Manufactured in Belgium and distributed from North Carolina.
CSL: Equivac - Information on vaccination against tetanus and strangles in horses. Includes instructions for administration and contacts in Parkville, Victoria.
Clostridium - Discusses gas gangrene, tetanus, food poisoning, botulism, and pseudomembranous colitis.
Tetanus Patient Education - Patient education on Tetanus (Lockjaw) offered in English and Spanish.
Adults Need Tetanus Shots, Too - Factsheet from the FDA.
Tetanus - Extensive factsheet on the disease from the CDC. In .pdf format.